Disasters - a growing problem around the world.It's a fact - disasters are on the rise around the world. According to one estimate, the 1990s saw a tripling of disasters and a nine-fold increase in economic costs when compared with the 1960s. Climate change,earthquake,floods,storm increasing concentrations of people in vulnerable areas, and political and economic instability are all contributing factors.
The challenge is - how do we deal with this growing dilemma?

Videos:Recent Disasters

Refresher Training of CERT by FOCUS

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Mumbai: The RTO will keep a hawk-eyed vigil on all cars plying in south Mumbai from Thursday morning. Those caught travelling in polluting vehicles or driving without valid papers or tax defaulters will be prosecuted, officials said.

"We will also check if the imported cars have paid all duties and local taxes," said regional transport officer K T Golani, who initiated the drive. "We will stop cars randomly and check for all papers, including registration documents, insurance, tax papers and also licences," he said. "We appeal to all car owners in south Mumbai to carry the documents while travelling else, they will have to face embarrassment when caught by RTO officials." The RTO will issue showcause notices and impound licences, if required, or impose heavy fines on offenders. If anyone is caught plying old and dilapidated cars, he or she will be prosecuted and asked to appear for a fitness test at the Tardeo RTO. Polluting vehicles will also be dealt with sternly, Golani warned. "In our next phase of campaign, which is likely to be in September, we will conduct checks on school buses in the island city," Golani said. "Our objective is to increase visibility of RTO officials on the road and to create deterrent to those flouting the rules." "Citizens should now watch out for RTO officials stopping vehicles and checking documents and other details pertaining to the vehicle," he added. WHAT CAR OWNERS NEED TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT PUC should be done on time Car should be in good condition, with engine, headlights/tail-lights in proper working state You should carry car registration documents and insurance papers Car should be registered at local RTO. If it's an outside vehicle, keep papers to show it has been transferred to local RTO and taxes paid Driver should have proper driving licence You should carry the one-time tax paid receipt and documents pertaining to green tax, etc RTO will train driving school instructors The Tardeo RTO will impart special training on road safety to 50 driving school instructors on Thursday. "We are training the trainers, who, in turn, will sensitize learners on road safety," said regional transport officer K T Golani. "We will insist that the instructors have a day's lecture on road safety along with audio-visual aids," he said. Sources said the training will be conducted in batches to include as many schools as possible by the year-end.